Featuring comprehensive analysis and commentary from leading medical experts, the Seven News Special examines specifically what the virus is, why it’s suddenly a catastrophic threat, and most importantly – whether Australia is prepared if the virus reaches our shores.

The latest crisis in West Africa is the worst-ever Ebola outbreak. It has killed more than 4500 people across the region, with up to 9,000 infected, and has reached the US and Spain.

Australia has so far managed to remain unaffected. Queensland nurse Sue Ellen Kovack – who had returned from treating patients in an Ebola hospital in Sierra Leone – was the 11th person tested for the disease in Australia in recent weeks, all returning negative results.